decal

noun

de·​cal ˈdē-ˌkal  di-ˈkal 

Canadian usually

ˈde-kəl 

: a picture, design, or label made to be transferred (as to glass) from specially prepared paper

Examples of decal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The personalization options vary, with the brand offering several different techniques based on the product; foil debossing, engraving, embroidery, vinyl decals, laser etching, and hand stamping are all in the repertoire. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025

Customization rewards include two new decals, one inscription, and two distinct 2D styles with new Marks of Excellence. —Giana Levy, Variety, 2 Dec. 2025

The walls are white and the shelves are filled with trendy apparel like Hello Kitty bags and shirts, candles dressed up with Beyonce and Taylor Swift decals and some holiday cards. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 2025

Besides the over-the-top Christmas decor and Gremlins decals, there is a stellar 1980s playlist, the movie playing on a loop, and some special holiday drinks. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

short for decalcomania

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for decal

• freckle
• meckel
• shekel
• speckle
• thecal

Kids Definition

decal

noun

de·​cal ˈdē-ˌkal  di-ˈkal 

ˈdek-əl

: a picture, design, or label made to be transferred (as to glass) from specially prepared paper

Etymology

a shortened form of earlier decalcomania "the art of transferring pictures," from French décalcomanie (same meaning), from décalquer "to copy by tracing" and manie "mania, craze"